In Courtois’ two seasons at the Vicente Calderon Stadium, the 21-year-old has helped Atletico to Europa League and Copa del Rey success and lifted the Uefa Super Cup last August, with a 4-1 victory over parent club Chelsea.

But while the Blues are due to release both Hilario and Ross Turnbull, they don’t appear to be against the idea of their young stopper gaining more first team experience, although are set to demand Atletico stump up a £1m fee for his services.